JAMES E. RAAB "RAABY"

James E. Raab "Raaby", 61, of Newburgh, NY died unexpectedly of heart failure on the afternoon of Sunday, April 28, 2013.

Jim was born July 20, 1951 in Cornwall to Charles and Doris Raab. He was brother to Doris Orff and her husband, Virgil of Amherst, NH; the late Beverly Daugherty and her husband Gale of Lexington, KY; and Sheila Knaust of Clearwater, FL.

He attended Newburgh Free Academy and the New York Military Academy. He graduated in 1969 and high-tailed it to Woodstock. Shortly thereafter he served the U.S. Army in Alaska as an engineer.

Jim's love for music shined throughout his whole life and he was known for absorbing great songs and singing them back to us. One day, while singing in the Heights of Newburgh, he was joined by Adonna Riglioni. The two were married on August 12, 1973. They would've celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this summer. Together they brought Brian, Eric, and Jennifer in to the world. He was also a proud and loving grandfather to Rosalie, Annmarie, and Connor. Hi is leaving behind dozens of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, who all adored him. Jim's never-wavering smile touched just about everyone he ever met, but he was always happiest at gatherings with his family and friends. He buzzed and laughed, making sure he talked to everyone. If there was a dance floor he was on it; if a band he loved was in town, he was there; and if there was a song he loved that you didn't know, he made sure you did. He saw to it that everyone was enjoying life as much as they could. He will be greatly missed, but he left an infinite amount of tales that we can all share forever.

A memorial service celebrating his life with stories, music, and pictures will be held on Friday, May 3rd from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hudson Valley Christian Church, 100 Grand St., Newburgh, NY 12550. Please come and share your memories of Jim with his family and friends.

Arrangements under the care of Christian D. Garrison of the Doulin Newburgh Funeral Home, Inc., 845-562-0068.